FINALLY a level of normality is in sight with COVID vaccination rates approaching those magical targets of 70 and 80 per cent.
For many people grabbing a beer, wine or meal with friends and family is high on their post-lockdown priority list. Modus Operandi's new Merewether brewpub opened for takeaways two weeks ago and is preparing for a October 11 launch for patrons.
In recent summers sour and hazy IPAs have dominated craft beer trends. Modus' hazy range include the Lost In The Fog, Tropic Thunder and Neon Nectar, while those who enjoy something tangy can sip the WT Pucker tropical sour or the Margie Sour.
For Modus Operandi co-founder Grant Wearin, coming out of lockdown will give rise to "the summer of sessionability."
"It'll mostly be around summer sessionability and reconnecting with friends people haven't seen for the best part of 18 months," Wearin says. "It's gonna be the summer of outdoor easy drinking."
Novocastrians can also expect some special local drops brewing in Modus' tanks in the future.
Modus' Mona Vale brewery is involved in the Sydney northern beaches community, producing limited edition lagers for rugby union clubs the Manly Marlins and the Warringah Rats.
With Merewether-Carlton and Souths Lions just down the road, Wearin hopes to be involved in the Hunter sports community too.
"That's what Modus brings to Newcastle, the ability to do those things with local community footy clubs," he says. "For them to have their name on a Modus beer and serve that at their ground or stadium."
